MUST-KNOW Safety Tips for Solo Traveling

Traveling alone might seem intimidating but it doesn't have to be. These are the top tips for solo traveling, from the perspective of a solo female traveler.

I've been a nonstop traveler for almost 5 years now. However, after splitting with my ex, that put me on a new trajectory as a solo female traveler. So for the past 1.5 years, I've been traveling alone, and let me tell you...traveling solo comes with a whole new set of challenges and risks.

Therefore I really want to share what I've learned about staying safe and avoiding danger while traveling alone. In this video I'll cover topics like:

- When and how to share my location when traveling
- Best practices when it comes to your cellphone
- Tips for avoiding sketchy situations (and how to get out of them)
- What to do in restaurants when you're alone
- How taking pictures and videos can keep you safe
- Wardrobe while traveling
- Best practices when taking Ubers/taxis/personal transportation
- How to change your body language to reduce risk
- What to do when someone's asking uncomfortable questions
- Should you carry a weapon while traveling alone?
- more!

❁❁ABOUT ME❁❁
Hi, I'm Maddie, former partner of Tangerine Travels, a travel vlog with over 350 videos that I helped build for 4 years to over 250k subscribers. I'm originally from Arizona and have been living in Mexico since 2018. These days, I'm traveling around Mexico, doing the "solo female travel" thing.

❁❁SOCIAL MEDIA & OTHER LINKS❁❁

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#MaddieGold #SoloFemaleTravel #travelsafety

[MaddieGold]

What advice would you give a solo traveler? Share your little-known tips to help others!
P.S. follow me on IG for more updates between videos (I share lots of stories) @tangerinemaddie

[samuel]

Being a 6 foot 3 inch 240 pound male, I’m amazed at how much thought you have put into this, I never worry about safety and I hate that you have to…Better safe than sorry so keep on keeping on Maddie

[lindylee]

Super important for women to give themself permission to be rude if needed. Safety first.

[jeffreyloew]

I am a 65 year old male, solo traveler. I wear a wedding ring when I travel. I have been approached several times in different countries and have been asked, "where is your wife"? My response, "my wife and daughter are shopping". Then I will look at my watch and say "Oh, I need to go".

[patriciag]

I would also say for people who live in the US. If you live in an apartment building for Uber, Door Dash etc. never include your apartment number. Always have them leave your food or meet them in front of the building. It doesn’t let them know your exact location. Also, as someone who travels a lot alone for work, always add a second name on the reservation. Partner, friend, etc. Hotel workers can be shady as well.

[zonacrocone]

As a retired cop I can say each and every tip in this video is valuable and good. Everyone should take it by heart. I travel a lot in Mexico but they are valid everywhere.

[MadeNCda]

Thanks Maddie for this excellent summary of tips. I'm a 55 yr old solo female traveler and a few things i do: bring a ring of bells (its a door Christmas decoration) which i hang around the door handle of my room so should someone turn the handle i will be alerted; i look people in the eye; always scan places to identify any concerns and exits should i need it; i also stay in frequent touch w family and friends; i prefer public transit to cabs or ride share services; i rest when i need it and space out my excursions so i dont exhaust myself. Travel is my one big pleasure and i try to ensure it remains a joy 😊 oh, and i dont go out at night - all excursions are during the day.

[asandi]

Hi Maddie, great video! I am a 55-year old solo woman traveller who has been fortunate to travel over 40 countries covering all 7 continents over the past 25 years. I use many of your tips and appreciated learning a few extras (thank you!). I also carry a personal alarm on my keychain and also an Atomic Bear pen that works as a pen but also a very effective glass breaker in case of emergency. It's strong enough to easily break a car window.

[johnhawks]

Some pretty wise ideas here. Taking a photo of what you are wearing on a given day is really a good tip. People who are trying to come up with the answer "What was she wearing the last time you saw her?" often struggle coming up with a good description. As men we need to be reminded that being female and single might be terrifying at times.

[leslieclaire]

When I took taxis in Mexico City, I’d follow my map app to make sure I was being taken to the right area. Kept my head on a swivel too. It’s empowering to know your environment! Thanks for all these good “awareness” tips! And I also tell fibs when I feel I need to be cautious.

[robynnclairday]

And thiis is a strange one- but coming across a bit strange- can scare people off-- I don't know if this would work- I was alone and being followed by men in a car, who were shouting things out- I turned around and started snarling and barking and making a scary face and chased their car- they peeled off and raced away - maybe too weird, but it worked

[HamckRgr]

When traveling solo, avoid getting wasted or even tipsy 🥴 as you will definitely become a target!

[BlissfulDee]

I think your tips are great.

I remember being told by a male friend from Mexico that if a woman says she has a husband, that is NOT a deterrent against getting hit on or approached. However, if she says she has a boyfriend, that IS a deterrent. He said that this comes from the belief that a husband doesn't care anymore because he "owns" her (and is probably cheating on her, anyway), but a boyfriend will go ballistic. Patriarchal society at its finest, eh? So, any married women out there, just call your hubby your boyfriend. Something to think about.

[Mexicobeanpole]

I honestly can’t think of another safety point to bring up, that’s how well you’ve covered things.
I personally think lying to a stranger is never wrong, even if you don’t necessarily feel in danger.
If they’re truly just making small talk and mean you no harm, they’d understand anyway why you did.
I once had a taxi driver in my home town of Ft. Lauderdale suddenly turn the conversation to being about my body. I discreetly took out the cash amount that was on the meter and threw it in the front sit and got out at the next stop light.
For that reason, I always have cash on me.
Both at home and traveling.

[birgitelisabeth]

Also, when you are waiting for an elevator and this scetchy person wants to enter with you, don't hesitate to not enter and wait for the next elevator or walk away; same when a scetchy person gets in - get out, even if that's not your floor.

[helloworld]

Thank you! Great tips! I never thought to take my photo with my clothing each day.

My additional tips:
1. Travel with a rubber door stop. It's small, cheap, and helps protect against those who have keys to the Airbnb/hotel room and who know how to unlatch the safety latches.

2. Use a travel purse that's slash proof. I use one whenever I'm in places like Paris or other heavy pickpocketing areas.

[vsibirsky]

These are good suggestions for anyone who lives alone and moves around solo. They apply wherever a person lives and what ever age range.

[patriciagallant]

A lot of those tips are things we should all be doing all the time, no matter where we are, travelling or at home.

[blondetruther]

I think for a single female in Mexico, it's best to get mobile numbers from known and trusted taxi drivers and use only those drivers.

[julieisthatart]

Very good show today. I can only think of two other things you might talk about, pick pockets and maybe roaming dogs. In all the many years I have been in Mexico only twice has someone in a public place touched me and both times it was a pick pocket attempt. The first one, a woman bumped into my shoulder and her husband berated her, and the second one a man walking behind me passed me and put his hand on my shoulder saying desculpe. Neither of them succeeded but not because I was paying attention but because of how I had my money secured and their attempts were unsuccessful. As to dogs and other animals, in my experience stop walking and staying calm has worked.